Dubai announces jail terms, heavy fines to combat begging during Ramadan

Dubai police have intensified their efforts to curb begging across the city during the holy month of Ramadan, with heightened surveillance and special task forces deployed to tackle the issue.

Local media reported on Thursday that police action has been particularly focused on preventing begging, which has caused significant disruption since the beginning of Ramadan.

In a recent operation, police arrested nine individuals involved in begging in public areas. The arrests were made by specialized teams assigned to target beggars in various parts of the city.

Authorities have warned that those caught begging could face a jail sentence of up to three months, along with a fine of 5,000 dirhams.

Dubai police have urged residents to report beggars through various channels, including the “Police Eye” mobile app and the 901 helpline. These measures are part of a broader effort to crack down on begging and raise public awareness about the issue.

Before Ramadan, the Dubai police launched the “Donate Wisely” campaign, aiming to protect the public from deceptive professional beggars. The campaign encourages people to donate only to recognized charitable organizations and to report any suspicious begging activities immediately.

Police have warned that many beggars are exploiting the sympathy of passersby with fabricated stories, often near busy roads, mosques, and other public places.

By donating responsibly, officials say, residents can help ensure that their contributions reach those who truly need assistance while keeping the community safe from exploitation.